I met someone lately. We talked briefly on a previous occasion, but today was the first time we officially met. It was my first time visiting a popular restaurant in Chicago, and he greeted me at the front door asking how many were in my party. I was not alone; I was with my mother and grandmother. The place was swamped for a Wednesday afternoon. Despite the abundance of full tables, I made eye contact with this someone several times throughout the course of my stay. At the end of the meal, I waited with my grandma by the front door while my mom retrieved the car. The handsome stranger happened to be sitting at the front door as well. Again, we made eye contact, but did not say anything. Finally, I broke the silence. It turned out well in my favor- we chatted back and fourth for a while before my mom pulled up with the car. I politely stated, “It was lovely talking with you. Enjoy your day,” and walked out of the restaurant. It was then that I realized I had not asked his name.

A few weeks passed, and my mom and I decided to go back to the restaurant for lunch. Needless to say, I wondered if he’d be there. I walked in, put our name down on the list, and saw him. I was sure he had not noticed me until we made eye contact. “You made it back!” he exclaimed. “Hey, how are you?” I asked. He smiled and put out his hand. “I’m well. What’s your name again?” he asked. I put out my hand, “I’m Katherine”.  And with that, we were introduced.

He walked my mother and I to our table, and he stopped by on several occasions throughout our meal. We exchanged good-byes on my way out and that was that. I don’t know when I’ll return to that restaurant, since I won’t return back to Chicago for several months, but that small encounter made a world of difference.

“Too much chase is too much effort.”

Now, I’m not sharing the story of this encounter in hopes that you will go out and stalk waiters or waitresses. I’m acknowledging this experience to share the simplicity of conversation. If you want to be introduced to someone, introduce yourself. If you want to learn more about someone, ask him or her. Never fear rejection- that’s silly. The worst thing a person could do is to ignore you, and that is highly unlikely.

At the same time, understand when the other person is not interested. This idea of the “chase” or “chasing” is relevant for friendships, and relationships, alike. It is not healthy for your emotional being to constantly be putting forth energy into something that you don’t benefit from in return. I think people are naturally inclined to seek acceptance and understanding.

When someone does not treat us with the same level of kindness and attentiveness as we give them, we blame ourselves and assume we have done something wrong. If the other person does not value your friendship, or relationship, enough to respond to your calls/texts, or plans to spend time with you, something needs to change. For example, if you are the one who  always suggests plans with a friend and they don’t reciprocate, they are not worth your time. Never think that they do not want to spend time with you because there is something wrong with you. However, this works for both sides in a relationship. If you have a friend that that is consistently suggesting plans to hang out, and you flake on them more than once, you need to shape up.”

Specifically speaking about romantic relationships, I am a strong proponent of “courting’’.  I am very old-fashioned when it comes to dating. In a world filled with promiscuity and “sexting”, the art of dating, romance and chivalry, is lost. I think a little mystery is a good thing. For example, you do not need to provide your entire life story the first time you meet someone. Personally, this is easier said than done. I am definitely a chatterbox. My guy friends always tell me, “Play it cool.” I do not consider, myself, a “cool’’ person, so instead of remaining passive, I try to listen to my own advice and just enjoy chatting with people.

However, when I meet someone I’m interested in, I introduce myself and start a conversation. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. I figure, what is the worst that could happen from saying, “Hi, my name is Katherine. It’s nice to meet you.”

A new calendar year comes with resolutions of all kinds, whether they be to pay a visit to the local gym, maintain some form of organization or to journal more often. This year my resolution is to make time for reading. I believe that the escape and journey provided by a quality novel is something to cherish, and I hope that throughout this year I will no longer deny myself that experience.

At the beginning of last year, I started a list on my iPhone of books to read. As the year progressed, I managed to compose a list of roughly 30 books and unfortunately only found time to complete two. This year I plan to continue adding novels of various topics to this list and hopefully complete a significant number of them before the year comes to an end. I have provided a select few books to read for the new year with a brief description for each.

“Cartwheel” by Jennifer Dubois
Dubois delivers a suspenseful thriller surrounding a suspicious murder case that is filled with unanswered questions. Any fans of “Gone Girl” will enjoy this book.

“The Wisdom of Insecurity” by Alan W. Watts
Watts provides wisdom in his philosophical perspective on the burden of overthinking and anxiety. This is an excellent read for anyone looking to spend more time participating and less time anticipating.

“Bad Behavior” by Mary Gaitskill
Gaitskill composes a successful group of raw, emotional stories of the truths and turmoils of an urban lifestyle. She does not sugarcoat the reality of today’s generation, but interprets it with examples relatable to anyone and everyone.

“The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd
This text comes from the author of “The Secret Life of Bees.” Kidd provides readers with a historically infused fiction surrounding the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.

“My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante
Ferrante describes the lives of two girls who grow up in Naples, Italy during the 1950s. The author describes the change of the country through the relationship of the two girls.

“The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell
Mitchell can best be described as a storyteller, and this text proves no different. With a fantasy style theme, the book takes readers around the globe from 1984 to the 2030s.

“The Children Act” by Ian McEwan
McEwan’s work questions the ability of an underage patient to refuse medical treatment based on religious reasons and whether or not a court can intervene.

A drive down Park Avenue at 7:36 a.m. on a Tuesday proves quite desolate, until you spot the beloved blue awning of Park Avenue Coffee. The sounds of milk steaming, coffee beans grinding, friendly chatter and a ringing coffee register fill the shop. Tucked neatly in the wall along Lafayette Square, Park Avenue Coffee serves the people seven days a week.

People of all ages and professions stroll in for their coffee fix. Doctors in scrubs, men in ties, students with backpacks and ladies with a purpose can all be found in Park Avenue at some point during the day. The coffee shop’s slogan sets the theme: “good people, good coffee, good gooey butter cake.” Simple, yet effective.

With an extensive menu of espresso, Frappuccino, coffee, tea and smoothies, Park Avenue aims to please, and they succeed. A suggestion would be to treat yourself to a Park Avenue Mocha: espresso, white chocolate with steamed milk and whipped cream. A simple coffee or vanilla latte will satisfy any coffee craving as well. An assortment of tempting sweet treats, including bagels, muffins, Rice Krispies Treats and the famous gooey butter cake is also available daily.

Courtesy of Park Avenue Coffee Facebook

The walls are painted blue and brown; funky lights hang from the ceiling; comfy chairs and marble top tables are spread around to add to the minimalistic yet modern style. A large window showcases the Lafayette Square neighborhood and ensures prime people-watching time. Park Avenue cannot be labeled as an intimidating hipster establishment. A well-lit space and soft music add to the comforting atmosphere. It is a classic coffee shop with Wi-Fi, appropriate for a group outing, business meeting or finals study session.

The baristas treat customers with hospitality, whether they are a first timer or a regular. If you go enough times, they may even remember your order, as there are quite a few frequent flyers to the Lafayette Square shop. Conversations often start at the register, a simple “hello” or an exchange of life stories is acceptable. They take care to ensure each order is made to the customer’s satisfaction.

Fair prices, quality taste and a welcoming atmosphere add to the Park Avenue charm. Merchandise, such as mugs, coffee beans and T-shirts, is available for purchase. Park Avenue coffee has three locations: Lafayette Square, Downtown and The Hill.

Hours vary throughout the week. At the Lafayette Square location, the shop is open Mon.-Thurs. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dear Kath: “I’m a white guy, and I have a crush on a very cute black woman in my class. I want to ask her out, but I know my parents wouldn’t be okay with me being in an interracial relationship. I don’t want to disappoint them, but I really like this girl and want to spend time with her. What should I do?”

Kath: My advice would be to make sure of your relationship with the woman before you confront your parents. Ask the girl out and get to know each other. A crush is not always permanent; your feelings could change.  A simple infatuation with someone is not worth a quarrel with your parents. However, if you do spend time together, and feelings develop, your parents should respect that. Let them know how you feel about the girl in a sincere and genuine way. Her race should not prevent you from dating someone you care about, despite what your parents might think. And in the end, if your parents still disapprove, follow your heart. If she makes you happy, then that is all that matters.  Do not let your parents’ conservative nature discourage you from pursuing relationships. They aren’t dating her; you are!

Saint Louis University’s Astha A Cappella group will host their annual fall concert “The FALLt in our Stars” this Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m., in Tegeler Hall.

The co-ed, fusion a cappella group was formed on campus in 2006 and has since continued to make a name for itself at SLU, and in the music world, with one of their music mash-ups, “Pani Da Rang/Sleepyhead,” featured on iTunes. The group was recently awarded Best Arrangement for their mash-up of “Mitwa” and “Bigger Than My Body,” February, at the ICCA Quarterfinals.

Ryan Quinn / The University News

Astha President Shobha Sridhar spoke highly of the group, “One of the most incredible feelings is competing or performing on a stage in front of a huge crowd, after having worked so hard to get there. We are humbled and elated when we receive positive feedback from our audience, and that praise is what motivates us to do even better next time.” According to Sridhar, the group has been practicing daily, leading up the concert.
The a capella group has a unique sound featuring both Western and Eastern cultures. Astha prides itself in not being mainstream, and showcasing diversity. The fall concert will feature a variety of languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Tagalog (Filipino language) and Spanish. As for the manner of choosing which songs are featured at the concert, Sridhar mentioned the great amount of group discussion that occurs to make those important decisions.

Sridhar stressed one of the elements that adds to the success of the group is the bond that has formed within the group throughout the years. “We are constantly growing and challenging ourselves, and we never lose our passion for music or fun-loving attitudes. Each year the dynamic in the group is different, but we all share similar goals and are dedicated to the group,” Sridhar said.

Starting with only six members, the band increases in size significantly each year. New freshmen members to the “Astha family” this year are Melissa Danly, Meghan Pendyala and Ian Freed; Emma Vogt is a new sophomore member, and Killian Hollo and Khelan Naidoo are new senior members. Freed is the beat boxer of the group.
Concertgoers can also look forward to guest performances by SLU’s own Six Eight Christian A Cappella and Washington University’s The Stereotypes a cappella group. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

Further information regarding the event, and Astha, can be found via several social media portals, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and their webpage, www.sluastha.org.

One Direction’s new album, “Four,” has everything you need and more. The band has clearly come a long way since their debut album, “Up All Night.”

With clever, catchy lyrics and a groovy well-produced sound, the new album will be playing on repeat for folks worldwide.

Unlike the typical boy-band album stereotype, not all 16 songs – 12 on the standard edition – sound the same.
Clear influences from artists such as The 1975 and Ed Sheeran are present on the album.

“Four” consists of a pleasant mix of road trip jams, guitar solos and sensual serenades. An apparent switch of vocals is an additional highlight.

Directioners are well aware that Harry Styles and Liam Payne normally take the lead in the solo department; however, times have changed.

Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan are featured in various songs throughout the album.

The band’s lyrics continue to mature, album after album, specifically in a song “Change Your Ticket,” where the boys sing, “Come get back in bed/ We still got time left/ This don’t have to be over,” or in “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” with lyrics like “Are you sleeping baby by yourself?/ Or are you giving it to someone else?”
The sound of “Change Your Ticket” has a clear resemblance to “Girls” by The 1975.

Love ballads are a requirement for any respectable boy-band album, and “Four” does not disappoint. Specifically, “18,” “Fool’s Gold,” “Once in a Lifetime” and “Spaces” all speak to a romantic scenario.
Ed Sheeran co-wrote “18,” which has a sound quite similar to the boys’ earlier song “Little Things,” also written by Sheeran.

“Four” certainly contains “pop” style music. Songs like “Girl Almighty” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” are guaranteed to have you out of your seat, busting a move and singing along to all of the words.
In fact, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” makes for an excellent road trip jam, along with “Act My Age,” which starts with a musical tune similar to what is played in Irish pubs.

Numerous guitars and drum beats create irresistible, catchy songs that will force you to bob your head along to the tune, including “Ready to Run” and “No Control.”
For those who have been living under a rock for the past four years and are brand new to the One Direction world, this album is worth your time.

If you do not wish to purchase the entire album and are looking to purchase only a part of the album, four of the 16 will do your iTunes library right: “No Control,” “Night Changes,” “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.”

All boy-band preconceptions aside, this album deserves a listen at least one (or 20) times.

A trip off campus to a quaint Benton Park coffee house is a great way to mark the seasonal transition from sweatshirt weather to scarves-and-mittens weather. The Mud House cafe highlights the neighborhood with its delicious array of coffee, breakfast and lunch options.

The charming interior creates an ambiance perfect for time spent with family or friends. With sounds of classic rock music, gentle conversation, espresso machines and baristas announcing coffee orders, the Mud House is a pleasant setting for any morning or afternoon.

Katherine Kelliher / Associate Arts Editor

Numerous tables and chairs are placed systematically throughout the cafe to provide the maximum amount of seating- handy for the popular establishment. A Saturday or Sunday equates to a nearly constant line of people patiently waiting to place their order.

Needless to say, the welcoming ambiance of this cafe is thanks to the quirky and oh–so friendly baristas and cooks. The service leaves you with a smile on your face.

Simple, yet fun decorations are placed throughout the cafe. The decorations do not seem to correlate with each other; however, it definitely adds to the charm of the interior. A large frame of a young Bob Dylan, a deer head and bookshelves are complimentary items that are hard to miss. The Mud House acts as a bookshop, in addition to a café, with a small self-explanatory sign on top of the book case, “Buy a Book”. It is not a riddle- prices are listed inside the book cover.

The cool and funky vibe of the Mud House is only half of the noteworthy experience.

Quality is a word that comes to mind when describing the menu options. A well-balanced selection of pastries, breakfast and lunch entries, and beverages are available. It would be a disservice to identify the Mud House as a mere coffee shop. The full title of the cafe is “The Mud House Coffee and Kitchen”. The freshness and tastiness of the food is something to write home about. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are included in the meal descriptions. Specifically, a sandwich known as “the Goat” is a crowd pleaser. Breakfast and lunch options are served all day.

The assortment of beverages is extensive enough to earn its own separate menu. Lattes, espresso drinks, coffee and loose-leaf teas are all included. Any of the choices are satisfaction guaranteed- you can’t go wrong. The cafe features coffee from St. Louis, as well as other cities, including brews from Blueprint Coffee, Dogwood Coffee, Counter Culture Coffee, George Howell Coffee, Mad Cap Coffee, Sight Glass Coffee and Broadway Coffee. The baristas work efficiently to ensure every beverage served is better than the last.
The Mud House is located at 2101 Cherokee St., and is open every day, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The art history program, of SLU’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, sponsored an event, “Corsets, Cleavage, and Codpieces: The Sexing of Style in Early Modern Europe,” on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Dr. Carole Frick, historical studies department chair at SIU-E, presented her lecture to a group of Saint Louis University students and administration in Boileau Hall. Her lecture was both witty and fascinating.
Frick presented several historical portraits and paintings, followed by a brief analysis of the correlation between fashion and society of the time period.

Emma Kelley / Staff Photographer

Frick’s lecture began with a clarification of clothes as superficial, versus clothing as a reflection of social currents. She explained how clothing, in a piece of art, may be the most representative factor of a particular time period. She also addressed a current example of this concept: ISIS. Camouflage clothing, military-style boots and seams exposed on the outside are several current fashion trends, reflective of current military action.

An analysis of clothing in artwork can also lead to a reflection on concerns of the time period. Dr. Frick introduced the phase of black-and-white clothing in artwork following World War II. This black-and-white clothing mimics the sense of uncertainty of the time period. Government officials, during this time, tried to calm the masses by ensuring that the solution was “as simple as black and white.”

Her lecture continued with the discussion of Renaissance utilitarian clothing and its portrayal as a necessary functionality. For example, men and women were painted in similar fashions and body types. Dr. Frick explained that this similarity in fashion between men and women continued into the early 14th century. An evident distinction between the elite and non-elite existed in art work of the time period. The elite had more resources and were able to afford a wider and more fanciful variety of clothing.

The High Renaissance is known as an era of great flux for various reasons, including the discovery of the New World. Manners of fashion depicted in the paintings portrayed this time of transition. Dr. Frick noted the representation of abstract views of the time present in the clothing. One painting specifically mentioned was “Portrait of a Lady in Red.” Dr. Frick described it as a portrait of a woman that had a purpose in society. This is evident in the painting because of the reflective service interests, pearls and stiff materials.

A separate time of transition occurred, Dr. Frick said, between the 14th and 15th centuries. The 14th century consisted of more modest garb versus the revealing, risqué clothing present in the 15th century.
Cleavage and corsets were introduced to portray alluring public women. These women were not considered as proper dutiful wives but women of men’s fantasies. Dr. Frick mentioned a painting from 1510, portraying two public women, aka prostitutes. In the image, one woman is bending down to expose her cleavage.

The social upheaval of this century, specifically the threat of Charles V and the Roman invasion, led to the ordinance of paintings of men in bold military style clothing. One element of this style present in paintings was the codpiece. The codpiece was noted as symbolic of masculine power.

Frick’s lecture concluded with an explanation and analysis of a portrait of Elizabeth I of England, from around 1600. In the image, she is portrayed as both virginal and powerful, and she exposes her body. Dr. Frick explained this portrait as the depiction of an absolute monarch.

On the outside, Restituo, in the Shaw neighborhood, acts as a cool corner coffee spot. This conception is soon skewed, upon entry into what can best be described as a melting pot. Mixed and matched tables and chairs, games, a fake fireplace, lamps, books, pillows, bean bag chairs, vinyl and a turntable, and beautiful artwork are a few of the many charms adding to the urban, yet comfortable environment in Restituo.

Courtesy of Restituo Facebook

Located on the corner of Shenandoah Avenue and Thurman Avenue, Restituo welcomes the St. Louis community, young and old.

In addition to the quaint and welcoming atmosphere, the coffee shop rewards customers with an excellent, rich-in-flavor cup of joe. Specifically, the drip coffee has a great flavor, and the taste is enriched by the service in a homemade mug. If a customer feels a certain attachment to their mug, they are encouraged to purchase it.

It is true that Restituo does not try to fit the typical coffee shop vibe. Do not expect leather sofas or any sort of holiday spice latte. What you can expect is an assortment of fresh coffee, tea and smoothies. Comfort throughout Restituo is similar to a living room in your grandparents’ home. Nothing about the coffee shop is intimidating, including the prices. Visitors will not pay over $2 for a cup of coffee.
Hours are accommodating; they vary Monday-Saturday.

The friendly and talented employees are a plus. The customer service level is top notch. The menu has a minimalistic, yet effective mentality; however, the baristas are wizards and are perfectly able to make any additions or substitutions upon request.

The ingredients are fresh, adding to the authentic taste of the menu options. Restituo also prides itself in a hearty bowl of soup, as well as other lunch menu items such as sandwiches, wraps and chili. The oat bite is a breakfast treat must, along with any beverage of your choice.

Residents from the Shaw neighborhood are frequent visitors, but newbies receive the same level of hospitality as everyone else. Baristas greet everyone with a “Hey, how are you?”

New customers to the shop are immediately acknowledged upon arrival via a soft charm attached to the front door. It is common for the charm to be ringing frequently throughout the day.

Regulars often run in, place their order to go and are out off to work within minutes. Others choose to stay, relax and enjoy the ambiance.

With a variety of soft, funk, indie music playing in the background, Restituo is an ideal location, whether you want to be productive at a table, read a book in a rocking chair, chat with a friend, take a nap on one of the sofas or spin a record.

Manchester Avenue, a well-known road in the Grove, features a variety of atypical establishments. Rise Coffee House earns its spot with an allure that distinguishes it from the numerous coffee shops in the area.

At first glance, Rise is easily mistakable for an ordinary cafe; however, upon entering, visitors can sense the difference from the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans, soft hint of indie-electro music playing and quirky boho decor.

The coffee house prides itself in showcasing locally-roasted, specialty coffees such as: Blueprint Coffee, Goshen Coffee and Sump Coffee. Alternative drinks such as smoothies and teas are also available. The baristas work hard to meet the customer’s satisfaction while serving smiles with every cup. Employees share a passion for Rise and do well to spread that feeling.

It should be noted that the portion sizes leave little to be desired. Mugs are filled to the brim. Baked goods from Whisk Sustainable Bakeshop and various lunch items make for a complimentary side to any beverage choice. The blueberry lemon scone, specifically, highlights the breakfast treats.

Independent coffee shops often distinguish themselves by eclectic vibes and decor; Rise goes above and beyond.

If the fresh and flavorful coffee is not enough to inspire a visit, Rise deserves a spot on your go-to list by interior design alone. The cool decorations are thanks to creative designer Jenny B of Jipsi Boho.
Patrons can easily feel the warmth of the establishment upon arrival. Coffee, as well as social justice, is an apparent theme throughout the brick-covered house. Quotes and posters of social justice activists are present sporadically between the two levels.

The first level, right off of Manchester Avenue, serves as the heart of the complex, with sounds of baristas creating works of art, taking orders and discussing various things. Numerous quirky tables and chairs, inside and outside, are used by customers. Hours vary, but the doors are open seven days a week.

Whether you are conversing with a friend, catching up on work or sitting alone, there are sights, smells and sounds to enjoy. It is encouraged to take a walk through and notice the small pieces of paper with quotes, evidently typed on a type-writer, posted along the wall. The quotes hold true to the theme of coffee and social justice. An example is a quote from St. Louis bred T.S. Eliot: “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”

This literary appreciation is present on the second floor as well. Respectable magazines, such as The New Yorker and National Geographic, are found in place of the typical gossip magazines, and are intentionally spread throughout Rise.

The second level, accessible via a set of winding stairs, includes various mix and matched tables, chairs and sofas. Original floor plans of the coffee shop are posted on the wall, adding to the eclectic design.
Rise has a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and is located at 4180 Manchester Ave.